Mangalore: 'Nakabandhi' Creates Surprise, Confusion Among Citizens of Coast
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, May 5: On Wednesday May 4, shoppers at the city's malls were surprised to have their bags and belongings checked for no apparent reason. Similar kind of checking took place at 'checkposts' on national highways, railways, airport and other sensitive places too.
It was all part of the 'Operation Sagar Kavach' launched by the state police throughout the coast in an attempt to create awareness among citizens of a possible terror strike and to be prepared for any eventuality.
The civil police, coast gaurds, and other security forces including the navy are pariticipating in this operation.
About 220 police officials were involved, who stopped vehicles and conducted thorough checks whenever required. Police comissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, two DCPs and SPS, eight police inspectors, 18 PSIs, 20 SIs, 60 head constables and 65 constables were part of 'Sagar Kavach' operation.
Rumour mills began working overtime when the policemen stopped vehicles and questioned the drivers and conducted spot checks. Text messages began circulating about tight security measures imposed in the city and a possible threat following the killing of Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan. However, when the media contacted the officials concerned, it came to light that it was only a mock drill to prepare the city's police and other security forces in case of a terror attack from any forms of transport - sea, air and road.
However, the 'Nakabandhi' brought not only surprise but caused much inconvenience to the commuters who were made to wait through traffic jams and gridlocks on the highways.
There is an interesting reason as to why the police has been taking this drill so seriously. Incidentally, a secret police team under the guise of 'terrorists' is expected to arrive in the district and the police personnel who are part of the 'Sagar Kavach' operation are supposed to catch them!
In case these 'terrorists' manage to pass through unnoticed by the police, then big loopholes in the security system will be exposed.
This kind of operation is not new to coastal areas, as several such drills have been carried out time and again, especially after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.